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Vancouver Budget Balances Books Without Tax Hike

Vancouver city council approved a 2026 budget, which includes a freeze on municipal property taxes. Vancouver City Council has approved a new budget that pledges no increase in property taxes, a move welcomed by many residents facing rising living costs. However, the financial plan comes with significant trade-offs: millions of dollars will be cut from arts programs, park services, and other community initiatives. City officials argue the budget reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility while easing pressure on households. Critics, however, warn that reductions in cultural and recreational funding could erode the city’s vibrancy and limit access to public spaces. The decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing affordability with investment in community life. As Vancouver grows, the debate over how to fund essential services without raising taxes is likely to intensify.

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CN Rail and CPKC Lock Out Workers Amid Labor Talks Deadlock

 


Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) have taken the drastic step of locking out workers, effectively shutting down Canada’s extensive freight rail network. The move comes after unsuccessful negotiations with the major labor union, Teamsters Canada. These negotiations have been ongoing since the expiration of contracts in December 2023.

The lockout has halted the movement of critical commodities such as grain, potash, and coal across the country. Here’s a timeline of the events leading up to this labor impasse:

  • December 31: Contracts covering locomotive engineers, conductors, and yard workers at CN and CPKC expire.
  • May 10: The Canadian government intervenes to delay a possible strike by railway workers.
  • May 23: Talks hit a deadlock, with predictions that a legal strike or lockout would not likely occur before mid-July.
  • August 22: CN and CPKC shut down their rail networks, affecting nearly 10,000 workers.

This unprecedented action underscores the severity of the labor dispute and its impact on Canada’s transportation infrastructure. As negotiations remain deadlocked, the ripple effects on the economy and supply chains are likely to be significant.

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